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Polecat rescued after surprise visit to Powys Council offices

Powys Council staff welcomed an unusual visitor to their offices at Welshpool Youth Centre on Tuesday (11 September) – with a polecat soon rescued and released by RSPCA staff!

The animal welfare charity was contacted after the shock discovery was made at the Centre, on Howell Drive.

Fortunately, the polecat was in good health – and was safely confined within a room at the council building, before being rescued by an RSPCA officer.

RSPCA inspector Phil Lewis safely collected the polecat, and returned the animal to the wild in nearby fields. He says returning wildlife to where it belongs can be “one of the most rewarding parts of the job”. Heart-warming video footage shows the moment the polecat returned to the wild.

Inspector Lewis said: “Staff at this Powys council building had a huge surprise when a polecat was spotted on the premises!

“Fortunately, the wild animal was safe and well, and was carefully confined before I came to complete the rescue, and return him to where he belongs.

“Rescuing and releasing wild animals is often one of the most rewarding parts of the job – and we’re grateful to the staff member who called us, and helped ensure an adventurous day ended safely for the polecat!”

Cllr Phyl Davies, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Property and Assets, said: “This is probably one of the most unusual visitors to one of our buildings. It came as a shock to staff when they found it in the office.

“I would like to thank staff from the RSPCA for safely collecting the polecat from the office and releasing it back into the wild.”

The RSPCA urges anyone finding wildlife in need of help to contact their 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999.

Should you wish to help RSPCA Cymru complete rescues such as this, you can donate online. The RSPCA is a charity and relies on public donations.